MYSTERY MAN JOHN OUT TO BE THE ONE

CARDIFF CITY’S very own Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery, has accepted his latest mission baby!

CARDIFF CITY’S very own Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery, has accepted his latest mission baby!

Full-back Martin John, who signed a year’s contract with the Bluebirds this week, is looking to get a taste of Championship action sooner rather than later.

The 22-year-old made his surprise debut for the Bluebirds in Wednesday’s Carling Cup win over Burton Albion and his presence raised plenty of questions, most notably – who he was.

Even in-depth research on the internet yielded little information, an oversight which had the amiable John joking afterwards: “I know, I’m trying to keep a low profile!”

But after his competitive debut John is now looking to raise that profile, particularly when City boss Dave Jones picks his side for the first away clash of the season at Derby.

That may be too soon for John who is playing catch up when it comes to fitness, but he insist when he does put the aches and pains of 120 minutes of football on Wednesday behind him, his sights are firmly set on a regular berth in the Cardiff starting XI.

“It is a dream fulfilled signing for Cardiff, but I want so much more,” said John.

“I’m lucky and fortunate, but I feel I have a lot to offer. This is a stage, the aim is to play well and get better. I really want to improve and see what happens.

“There was interest from some other clubs, but my manager just told me about Cardiff so I said I’d go where he thought was best.

“Once I’m fit I know I will be in the mix and the gaffer will have me in mind. If I get a chance I will try to seize it. I know the opportunity is there. I’ve got a year to prove myself at Cardiff and if I stay fit I don’t see why I can’t get a longer stint here and become one of the leaders on the team.”

And where Wikipedia may have failed, John himself has helped to fill in the mysterious heritage which sees him hold four different passports and speak not only English but Spanish and French.

John was born in London to a Gambian father and a mother he describes as Colombian, Bolivian and Swiss.

At the age of five he moved to Italy, then three years later to Canada where he did most of his schooling.

He got a football scholarship to the University of Maine in America then went to the University of Buffalo, New York, where he earned a degree in marketing.

After graduating from university last December he spent time playing in the reserves at Argentina’s legendary Argentinos Juniors, a club which had previously brought through the likes of Diego Maradona and Juan Román Riquelme.

After Argentinos secured the First Division title John went on their post-season tour of South Korea where he saw some first team action.

But after time back in America and Canada, a teammate at Buffalo introduced him to his father who has a football management company in the UK.

After 30 minutes’ playing for Conference South outfit Welling United against Arsenal Reserves, John was informed of the trial at Cardiff and the rest is history, as they say.

Despite admitting he didn’t know much about the Bluebirds before arriving, John is quickly getting up to speed.

And he wants to play his part in helping Cardiff go that one step further than they managed last season.

“I want to get us to the Premier League and we have the talent to get that done,” added John.

“I want to grow and I know the club wants to grow.

“Cardiff is a great club, the facilities are amazing. In Argentina, we had a puddle in the middle of the locker room.

“It’s beautiful. The fans are great too. They gave me a good reception against Burton. I wasn’t expecting that. They were even calling my name. It’s first class here.”

Cardiff go into tomorrow’s match still with injury concerns at full-back.

Darcy Blake, who pulled out of the Wales squad for Wednesday’s friendly win over Luxembourg, and Kevin McNaughton will have late fitness tests.

Meanwhile speculation is growing that striker Ross McCormack, pictured, who grabbed two late goals in the win over Burton, could be heading for the exit door.

Ipswich’s Roy Keane has confirmed his interest in the frontman, commenting: “Lots of work still needs to be done on that one.”

But McCormack’s agent, Willie McKay, said there are now a number of clubs, including Scottish giants Celtic, chasing the 23-year-old.

“I have spoken to Ipswich chief executive Simon Clegg about Ross and we are now waiting for Ipswich to make a formal offer to Cardiff,” said McKay. “Once that happens and an offer is accepted we will discuss personal terms with Ipswich.

“However, there are four or five other clubs also chasing Ross and we will see what offers come in for him.”

On the pitch Cardiff look to record their first win of the new season at Derby after drawing at home to Sheffield United on Sunday.

Nigel Clough’s Rams got off to the perfect start on the opening weekend with a 2-1 win at Championship new boys Leeds.

Derby will be skippered by former Wales international Robbie Savage for tomorrow’s clash.

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